Downriver Dispatches

The rain has arrived, it's steady and most welcome. One more way we know it's fall, I changed sheets on my bed and put on flannel ones, as well as the comforter.

I wrote a commentary on the local school board meeting for The Eagle, but did not include any report on business handled. At the last board meeting, they approved hirings, policies and the purchase of a new transport van at $85,450. It looks like enrollment will be a bit over 300 students, much like last year, but the final number will be more accurate with the September count at the end of the month.

While at the Appelo Archives Center last Tuesday, two men came in from a new construction company working in Naselle. Josh Krete who owns Keen Krete Construction, LLC, has started building a house in Naselle and has a second one lined up as well. He and his helper were happy to share information on their business. Josh's phone number is (360) 624-6355 if you'd like to know more.

Speaking of the Archives Center, their annual Harvest Auction and Champagne Dinner will be on November 4 at 5 p.m. at Rosburg Hall. Tickets are pre-sale $22 and $25 at the door.

Also, if you have anything you'd like to donate to the auction, contact the center at (360)484- 7103 or 484-7101 for the café. For more ticket information, call or drop by the cafe in Naselle.

Finnish American Folk Festival folks will sponsor Carl Wirkkala and the Whistle Punks at the Naselle Community Center on Sunday, October 8 at 4 pm. We all like his music and appreciate his songs talking about our own area. I hope you'll join me there. The center is close to the Naselle Library on Parpala Road in Naselle.

Last week the elk came back to the Grays River valley. I spied them on Joel Fitts' land, their usual hangout, with at least one good bull in the small group. Last winter we had a large herd, but with bow hunting season open now and regular hunting season coming down the line in a few weeks, they may hurry back into the hills, but it's wonderful to see them again.

We now have two houses for sale on Loop Road in Grays River. Kenny "Buckshot" Wirkkala's house and shop are for sale. I don't recognize the realtor's name, but I'm sure you could contact Sandy Wirkkala in Cathlamet if you want more information. Her cell is (360) 957-5610. With this listing, both Buckshot's house and the house at the junction of Barr Road and Loop Road are for sale.

I talked with Lori Sharrow, our NP at the Naselle Clinic to express my sadness at her leaving. She has decided to again work with a company that in the past has sent her for short periods of time (usually under or about 12) to locations across the country to fill in for doctors or to help with various situations where she can help. She will be able to see her family with the schedule they give her. She is keeping her house on the Peninsula and will return to it for periods of time. I know her patients here will miss her very much.

The gift of the former Bank of the Pacific a couple years ago, has made a huge difference to our area and our visitors. Lori has had a tremendous response from the community and has become very important to many of us. I hope the Ocean Beach Hospital District's CEO will find another medical professional to fill in at the Clinic who is as personable as Lori. Her last day is coming up so stop by and express your appreciation to her before she is gone. She has widened the scope of the clinic by bringing in classes for seniors at the Community Center and sponsoring coffee get togethers at the Naselle Library. Connecting with these facilities helps the community with both health care and socializing with others.

Finally, I want to let everyone know that Bendog, my very best friend, is aging but doing OK at this point. He doesn't like the rain, so he is in the house with me all the time, except for when he has to go out for his "necessaries," but he stays as close to the house as he possibly can, or sleeps on the back porch if the rain stops. Getting into the car requires a ramp that he's learned to tolerate, but he wants to be with me all the time so he always rides in the car no matter where I go. He was a rescue, but in truth, Ben adopted me. He is aging and arthritis is hard on him, but his eyes tell me he's OK as long as he can see me, or is in the car. Love reigns as it often does with dogs and people. I pray God takes him for me when his time comes.

Photo of the week: The school gives out achievement awards to kids. These are but two of those who showed kindness and courage at their monthly awards ceremony where certificates were given out by their teachers.

Calendar of Events:

Mondays/Wednesdays: Balance Class at Naselle Community Center 2-3.

Tuesdays: Naselle Lutheran Church sponsors morning quilters and knitters in afternoons.

Second Tuesday: Johnson Park Board meeting at 10.

Second Tuesday: American Legion meets at 6 at Rosburg Hall.

Third Tuesday: Naselle Grays River School Board meets at 6:30 in school library.

Wednesdays: AA meeting at the Grays River Grange at noon.

Second Wednesday of the month: Grays River Flood Control District meets at Fire Hall across from Duffy's at 5:30. Also available by Zoom.

First and third Wednesdays in October: Senior Lunch at Rosburg Hall at noon. 4th and 18th.

Thursdays: CAP Senior Lunches are located at Rosburg Hall at noon on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

September 29: Retirement reception for Marsha at the Naselle Library 10-6. Stop by.

October 2: Katherine Parker, missionary will speak at 11 at Grays River Methodist Church.

October 8: Carl Wirkkala with Whistle Punks at Naselle Community Center at 4 p.m.

October 17: Naselle GRV School Board meets at 6:30 in school library.

October 28: Annual Christmas Bazaar at Rosburg Hall supporting Rosburg Community Club.

October 28: Halloween Celebration at Naselle Community Center. More info coming.

November 4: Harvest Auction and Dinner at Rosburg Hall at 5.

Word for the week: Courage.